FIRST ROUND, #26: Coby Fleener TE Stanford. 66 247, arm length 33 3/8, hand size 10
We have all identified that a huge need for the Texans is a second option in the passing game, and Fleener fits the bill nicely. While he is not a WR, Coby should provide match-up problems (size and strength vs DBs, speed vs LBs) that no WR in the draft can. Fleener possesses excellent body control and soft hands, both of which are musts in todays NFL. We are not expecting him to be the next Gronkowski, but we do think he has the potential to be a premier receiving TE sooner rather than later. Fleener has steadily improved during his time at Stanford and turned into a technical, effective route runner who is able to separate at the top of routes. He would fast become Schaubs #2 receiving option in double set TE formation Kubiak favors. Coby will go up for the ball in traffic, people will discover he is more physical than expected & willing blocker that will improve in time just like he showcased steady improvement while @ Stanford. He is a smooth athlete who looks natural running deep down the field, even at his height something Texans need & covet along with 2nd rounder Brian Quick this not only stretches the field it creates multiple match-up problems for defensive coordinators & Arian Foster should continue his ground assault without teams crowding the box.SECOND ROUND, #58: Brian Quick, WR Appalachian State. 64 220, 34 ¼ arm length, hand size 9 ¾
Former Basketball player & High Jumper Quick passes the eye test looking the part of a NFL 1st rd. WR. If not for his late start (played only one year of High School Football) he would have been heavily recruited by a bigger school other than a NCAA Division I FCS level school, but then probably doesnt make it to 58th overall selection after developing four years into a 1st team All American. 71 receptions, 1096 yards & 11 TDs his senior year. Quick has also proven to be durable with no recent nagging injuries to speak of, no ACL tears or hamstring issues, you have to go back 2007, his second year playing football, that he redshirted because of back pain, but not before helping Mountaineers upset Michigan in that memorable upset when young Brian used his length & vertical jump to block what would have been a game winning field goal for that devastated Wolverine team. Check off the Texan requirements in both size & speed departments, ran in low 4.5s w/outstanding length, over 80 wingspan. Clean on/off field. Willing blocker, special teams standout & does not have diva attitude, someone for Andre to help groom to reach his potential.THIRD ROUND, #76: Ronnell Lewis DE/OLB Oklahoma. 6'2" 253, 32 ½ arm length, hand size 9 ¼
Early-entry Junior nicknamed "The Hammer" by teammates. Although he only played in 10 games, stats good: 59 T with 13 TFL (5.5 sacks) 5 passes batted down with a forced fumble and 1 INT. Solid Combine benched 36, ran 7.09 short shuttle which showcased his natural strength & change of direction speed, leading us to believe talent is there to stand-up & fit in Wade Phillips 3-4. He plays physically with violence & aggressive hand use. *Note he outplayed Seminole OTs Datko and Sanders late in season. Sharp footwork, fluid quickness & keeps eyes up locating ball fast & have smooth change of direction. Teams impressed with his interviews during the combine & how he explained how his grades kept him from bowl game. He possess a strong will with high motor, similar to Brooks Reed & Connor Barwin which leads one to believe he cannot be held in check a whole game & will get to the QB.FOURTH ROUND, #99: Phillip Blake C/OG Baylor. 6'2" 311, arm length 33" hand size 9 3/4"
Senior, three year starter, already played in a pro-style offense with RG3. Needs an NFL conditioning program to keep weight but change some flab to muscle. Regardless, he is a man. Combine bench was 22 which belies his strength. Did well against much heavier Ta'Amu (DT) & brains will allow him to back up Myers calling the Oline and should contest for RG if not start. He has low center of gravity with strong anchor that allows him to maintain position against big DTs. Hand placement could be better but few got by him. Texans' QBs ability to take snap from center rather than shotgun like RG# will benefit this man mountain as will the ZBS. Some mention his age but not an issue as he should last 5-6+ years. Oh BTW? Myers just signed long term deal & he turns 31 Sept 15th. Top Offensive line performer @ Combine in both vertical (29.5) & long jump (105). FOURTH ROUND, #121: Levy Adcock, OT/OG Oklahoma State. 65 322, 33 arm length, hand size 9 ½
Snubbed by the combine, despite selected to Big 12 First Team & not allowing a single sack all year playing LT in the Cowboys high profile passing offense. Adcock is your classic late bloomer, who added 30 pounds his senior year as his frame filled out. Levy is more athletic than given credit for & can line up multiple positions (LT/RT or LG/RG) adding plus value to his draft stock. Plays with attitude, confidence & brings his lunch pail to work every day. In the mold of a more talented, diverse prospect than recently departed Mike Brisel. While far from a finished product Levy possess natural knee bend, technique, size & experience to start in a pinch if needed. Impressed scouts at OSU Pro-Day running a fluid 5.18 forty, benched 26 times, with 27 ½ vertical. Along with Center /OG Phillip Blake early in 4th Texans can rebuild interior of their OL vacated by Brisel/Winston, back-up for Myers & replacement swing tackle for Butler.[/QUOTE]FIFTH ROUND, #161: Ryan Lindley, QB San Diego State. 63 3/4 229, 32 ¼ arm length, hand size 10 1/8
Looking at the Texans roster, there are only 2 QBs listed- Schaub and Yates. Matt is coming off a serious injury, and will be a highly paid free agent after this coming season, while we all like Yates, it is simply not prudent to put all of our eggs in one basket. Therefore, we have decided to draft Ryan Lindley at this spot in the draft. Lindley boasts excellent size for the position, and is quite adept at throwing on the move, but is even better in the pocket. A 4 year starter, Lindley exhibits great maturity. So why does he fall this far? The answer is simple- competition and accuracy. Playing in the MWC is obviously not the same as playing in the SEC, and as for accuracy, Lindley needs some work. The ability is there, but he is just not consistent. All in all, he should be a great 3rd QB this season, with the potential to be a starting QB down the line. Texans need to use Kubiaks feel & developmental abilities @ the QB position, someday instead of just letting coveted free agents walk, where they have depth these young, developed QBs have great trading value down the road if they so choose. SIXTH ROUND, #195: Randy Bullock, Kicker Texas A&M. 510 205, 100 PAT% 2009-10
Bullock won the Lou Groza Award as College Footballs top kicker in 2011. 29 of 33 Field Goal attempts made, increasing FG 87.9% from 76.2% in 2010 while increasing length. His trend line is a positive one, that is important to a kickers confidence & proving track record based on sound fundamentals moving forward to the NFL. His range is currently already in the 50 yard territory with a 52 yard FG this past season setting a new personal best . With strengthening & more technical work he can be expected to extend his range into the mid to high 50 yard range on a consistent basis. Scouts came away impressed with his leg strength both at the Combine & Pro-Day. http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/03/texans-check-out-texas-am-kicker/ Randy already looks the part of a NFL kicker, both quality of character, work ethic & maturity. We feel its time special teams coach grooms a young 10-15 year starter to become the Texans long term answer & closer.

SEVENTH ROUND, #233: Ishmaaily Kitchen, NT Kent State. 63 334, 35 reps 31 vertical
Our last pick is going towards a developmental player that flashed brilliance at the college level, but needs to be coached up to his talents. Yes, the Texans are now using a system where the NT is a penetrator, and that is not really Kitchens game. However, Wade has proven over the years to design his scheme around his talent. And we believe Kitchen has talent, it is just a matter of uncovering it. Kitchens biggest strength is, well, his strength. He is a bear to move inside, and consistently occupies 2 blockers, effectively neutralizing the run game. There was a very noticeable difference when Kitchen missed a couple games due to a dislocated elbow, and when he was in the game. Even if he never pans out to be a starting caliber player (it is a 7th rounder, after all), he should still be a useful player in short-yardage situations. http://www.wytv.com/content/news/he...-Pro-Day/i4lVi306Z0WS6yVig5gcow.cspx?rss=1666[/QUOTE]

Outside of the Fleener pick , I love them all .... I could warm up to Fleener at some point , but with OD it just seems like a luxury pick when there are so many pressing needs - Tho most were addressed in this mock.

I might be in the minority but Im leaning twards the Bama ILB Hightower if one of the top WR's doesnt fall to 26. He'd make the middle of that defense very difficult to penetrate on the ground .... and an already solid LB corps a top tier group.

I know the Texans ran a lot of 2-3 TE sets .... but I find it difficult to make that selection.

I'de be very happy with the majority of this draft. I just don't see the texans drafting a tight end with their first pick when they already have Daniels and Graham who people said was a Daniels clone when we drafted him. idk if Quick and Lewis would still be there for our 2nd and 3rd round pick but if so,i'de be ecstatic. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Brian Quick gets drafted by the texans and i think there was a rumor going around that the texans might draft him in the first.. Like the 2 O line picks and they can be solid depth for a year and potentially start next year if we don't re-sign Caldwell and Butler. I would be very happy with 2-7 picks but i really don't think the texans will be drafting a tightend in the first round when there are more pressing needs.

1. Fleener- Love this pick
2. Quick, I would like him better in the 4th. Give me Toon,M.Jones or Streeter. Dont know why I dont like him. I consider him to be a small school version of Jeffery. Ok to good hands and Quick doesn't appear to be fast or Quick (LOL) out of his breaks. I will admit I haven't seen much of Quick other than the Sr Bowl, (The stage appeared to be to big for him) and the Combine. (He was OK but nothing special)

3. Lewis- Good pick
4. Blake- Great pick, He's a stud who has experience playing C/RG/RT in college. Hope he's there.
4. Adcock- I understand the pick, Give me more depth at WR/PR. Matthews/Broyles would be my pick.
5. Lindley, Good pick, I like B.J. Coleman more as a developmental QB. I thought Yates was supposed to be this guy last yr.
6. Bullock- Good pick
7. Kitchen- Like this pick. I also like Myles Wade from Portland St. They're both good late rd fliers.

Fleener is better than any of the wide receivers that will available to us at #26. That is at least my rationale and has been for a while. Glad to see others are on board as well. But like I keep saying I don't think the Texans will make a bold pick like that. They'll more than likely draft a guy like Stephen Hill or Kendall Wright who might turn out to be good players, but with Fleener you can really do some serious damage.

Outside of the Fleener pick , I love them all .... I could warm up to Fleener at some point , but with OD it just seems like a luxury pick when there are so many pressing needs - Tho most were addressed in this mock.

I might be in the minority but Im leaning twards the Bama ILB Hightower if one of the top WR's doesnt fall to 26. He'd make the middle of that defense very difficult to penetrate on the ground .... and an already solid LB corps a top tier group.

I know the Texans ran a lot of 2-3 TE sets .... but I find it difficult to make that selection.

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Corrosion as you know on my last individual mock I have Hightower #26 & agree with your opinion of him. However, the recent signing of Brady James reduces the need for an ILB that high. We have other issues that have to be addressed so again we draft for need. sigh. We have to have someone to take pressure off AJ.

1. Have no problem at all with the Fleener pick. Would give the offense great versatility in the passing game and would really help out in the redzone. He needs to work on his blocking, but I think he's worth the pick.

2. Not a fan of taking Quick if he's the only WR we take. He needs to be developed a bit and I would prefer a guy who can come in and contribute now. If we only take one WR and it's in the 2nd then give me Marvin Jones. Guy will be the #2 in week 1 and for years to come.

3. Good pick with Lewis because we do need to add another pass rusher. That said, I think he's gone at this pick. Won't get outta the 2nd IMO.

4. I do agree that we need to address the Center position at some point soon regardless of re-signing Myers. Blake is a good pick though I'd prefer Molk.

4. I think it's early for Adcock here although I see the logic behind the pick. Could be your swing tackle and compete with Butler at RT.

5. Fantastic pick with Lindley. If there's one guy in this draft that I could take late and develop it's him.

6. Once again, I see the logic behind this pick but I'm meh on drafting Kickers. That's just me though.

7. Not a fan of this pick because I think Wade's proved what he wants at NT and this is not it. I have no doubts that he would adjust his style if we had someone like Kitchen, but I don't see us intentionally going out and grabbing him.

I'de be very happy with the majority of this draft. I just don't see the texans drafting a tight end with their first pick when they already have Daniels and Graham who people said was a Daniels clone when we drafted him. idk if Quick and Lewis would still be there for our 2nd and 3rd round pick but if so,i'de be ecstatic. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Brian Quick gets drafted by the texans and i think there was a rumor going around that the texans might draft him in the first.. Like the 2 O line picks and they can be solid depth for a year and potentially start next year if we don't re-sign Caldwell and Butler. I would be very happy with 2-7 picks but i really don't think the texans will be drafting a tightend in the first round when there are more pressing needs.

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Chris we are not drafting a TE, we are drafting a 6' 6"guy 250 lb flash who busted 4.5 who can replace OD if necessary and be WR2 if necessary. Texans love guys that can play more than one spot. In Coby they get a guy who can start in more than one spot.

Here are the pro Fleener comments for those that don't want to read the whole thread.

Fleener is a better TE than any of the receivers that will available for us to draft. We need a red zone guy and with Dressen gone, we'll need someone to fill his gap.

Fleener was much quicker then expected at his pro day. Truth is most of our Te's are more conventional, but Fleener is the type of
TE that would create mismatches.

With all the 2 TE sets we run and the pending cap problems/huge contract OD has going into next year, getting a top flight TE should be important. Fleener is the best TE in this draft period and is as close as you get to can't miss.

I don't see Graham as anything but depth. If he had any ability I think he wold of made more than one catch in the last couple of years. Hope I'm wrong on that one for sure! As I stated in my mock, I believe there is a high possibility that OD could be let go next year. Fleener would be great insurance if that were to happen.

We have to have another reliable red zone threat or we are going to be in big trouble. The last thing we need is to start kicking field goals over and over in the red zone again. Remember that? Maybe we can find that later in the draft I don't know but IMO Fleener looks like he comes in and contributes right away in that role.

He could wind up being the next Jimmy Graham. That doesn't intrigue you at all? Him and OD on the field together would be scary. We do have more pressing needs but TE could use a boost and why limit the first round pick to a dire need anyway, all you do is wind up with an inferior player who starts early. Picking at 26 in the draft with a talented team already in place gives us the opportunity to really go BPA. I won't cry if we pass on him but Fleener is definitely on my short list.

If we can find a TE that can split out and/or play in the slot it's just as good as getting a WR in the first round. Maybe even better.

It's not like he'd struggle to get on the field.

Graham was a fourth round pick. It happens! The guy hardly seen the field in two years. One catch! TE may not be our biggest need but it is a need. You can't go into the draft saying position a is our biggest need so we have to spend our first round pick on it. You have to take the combination BPA that fills a need and generally you want your first two picks to start. You want your 3rd round pick to start year two and your expectations should lessen by round after that.

A big time playmaker at the TE position is just as valuable (maybe even more at times) than a WR.

i think the main this is if is a "willing" blocker. that can't be taught

OD our starting TE 54 receptions 677 yards and a whopping 3 td's[/quote] And on top of that will be 30 this year, has a huge contract and has missed 13 games in the last 3 years.

At 6'6" and almost 250 lbs, Fleener has natural TE size, so it is not like he is a WR/TE hybrid. You can split him out wide, or line him up as a traditional TE. While he is not a strong blocker, it is not a weakness. Just because he is known for his play in the pass game does not mean he is a liability in the run game.

Where Fleener makes his money is with the ball in his hands. He runs a 4.5 40- that is WR speed. He has good explosion numbers as well, better than many receiver prospects. At most importantly, he has soft hands. I do not remember seeing a lot of drops from Fleener. He is good at getting open, and good at catching the ball. And that is what you want to see.

Would love to add Fleener. I view him as a weapon, plain and simple regardless of his position. His speed makes him a tough match up for LBs and his size makes him tough for DBs. He could absolutely spilt out wide as well. So many possibilities. There are other players I like as well, but at this point I favor Fleener over Hill or Randle.

Drafting a TE while maybe not an immediate huge need, could pay off big next year if cap problems continue like they have. And Fleener is good enough that he would make significant contributions this year IMO and could possibly be a major player for us in the near future. Add to that that this is a late first the risk is worth the potential reward.

1. Fleener- Love this pick
2. Quick, I would like him better in the 4th. Give me Toon,M.Jones or Streeter. Dont know why I dont like him. I consider him to be a small school version of Jeffery. Ok to good hands and Quick doesn't appear to be fast or Quick (LOL) out of his breaks. I will admit I haven't seen much of Quick other than the Sr Bowl, (The stage appeared to be to big for him) and the Combine. (He was OK but nothing special)

3. Lewis- Good pick
4. Blake- Great pick, He's a stud who has experience playing C/RG/RT in college. Hope he's there.
4. Adcock- I understand the pick, Give me more depth at WR/PR. Matthews/Broyles would be my pick.
5. Lindley, Good pick, I like B.J. Coleman more as a developmental QB. I thought Yates was supposed to be this guy last yr.
6. Bullock- Good pick
7. Kitchen- Like this pick. I also like Myles Wade from Portland St. They're both good late rd fliers.

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SteelB just a thought on Senior Bowl. I have always used it to evaluate players on a bigger "stage". This bowl was a joke imo. I am not sure if it was the coaching or what but many players just looked lost. Many were playing out of position & not just to show their adaptability but more to say that each player had some minutes. Reminded me of Little League where every kid gets to play but these guys are not 8-10.
I watched Toon extensively mostly due to having watched his dad play and I was just not impressed. Too inconsistent like Jeff Fuller. Streeter is on my individual mock and he could be a WR1 in his second year but Quick is more now than Tommy.

The fact that people are worried about using a LATE first round pick on Fleener because of his blocking ability is laughable. Blocking is more about effort than anything else. OD, Graham and anyone else we have drafted at TE other than Anthony Hill has been a poor blocker coming out of college. Hell Shannon Sharpe wasn't a good blocker early on in his career.

This offense relies on the TE position more than some of you realize and its not because of their blocking ability.

1. Have no problem at all with the Fleener pick. Would give the offense great versatility in the passing game and would really help out in the redzone. He needs to work on his blocking, but I think he's worth the pick.

2. Not a fan of taking Quick if he's the only WR we take. He needs to be developed a bit and I would prefer a guy who can come in and contribute now. If we only take one WR and it's in the 2nd then give me Marvin Jones. Guy will be the #2 in week 1 and for years to come.

3. Good pick with Lewis because we do need to add another pass rusher. That said, I think he's gone at this pick. Won't get outta the 2nd IMO.

4. I do agree that we need to address the Center position at some point soon regardless of re-signing Myers. Blake is a good pick though I'd prefer Molk.

4. I think it's early for Adcock here although I see the logic behind the pick. Could be your swing tackle and compete with Butler at RT.

5. Fantastic pick with Lindley. If there's one guy in this draft that I could take late and develop it's him.

6. Once again, I see the logic behind this pick but I'm meh on drafting Kickers. That's just me though.

7. Not a fan of this pick because I think Wade's proved what he wants at NT and this is not it. I have no doubts that he would adjust his style if we had someone like Kitchen, but I don't see us intentionally going out and grabbing him.

Overall, good stuff. With a few minor changes I'm a huge fan.

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Thanks for your compliments and your faithfulness in giving us honest feedback that we do listen to. On Lewis, we were also concerned he might be gone but our research led us to believe he should be there. Blake is a center that eliminates concern that Myers could go out and we'd have to depend on Caldwell (shudder) but he can also challenge for RG. If he beats out Caldwell @ RG, that is one less FA we have to worry about after the season. We should see instant benefits from a conditioning coach. Molk is good but don't see him as an OG. You should maybe evaluate which would fit better in Texans high octane passing game in ZBS, a Baylor center or Michigan?

Adcock may be there later but when you have 9 point buck in your sight, pull trigger. Don't keep looking for a 10 when the 9 could be on someone else's tag. Same with Bullock. Could be a UDFA but if he is, what guarantee you offering he will sign with Texans? An Aggie may be smart enough to go for more money elsewhere. lol

Thanks for your compliments and your faithfulness in giving us honest feedback that we do listen to. On Lewis, we were also concerned he might be gone but our research led us to believe he should be there. Blake is a center that eliminates concern that Myers could go out and we'd have to depend on Caldwell (shudder) but he can also challenge for RG. If he beats out Caldwell @ RG, that is one less FA we have to worry about after the season. We should see instant benefits from a conditioning coach. Molk is good but don't see him as an OG. You should maybe evaluate which would fit better in Texans high octane passing game in ZBS, a Baylor center or Michigan?

Adcock may be there later but when you have 9 point buck in your sight, pull trigger. Don't keep looking for a 10 when the 9 could be on someone else's tag. Same with Bullock. Could be a UDFA but if he is, what guarantee you offering he will sign with Texans? An Aggie may be smart enough to go for more money elsewhere. lol

Again, thanks for your feedback.

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I don't see Molk as an OG at all, strictly a C prospect. That said, I don't see Myers finishing his new contract. We gave him that deal because we need him, but Molk could make him expendable in 2-3 years.

I also don't see the Texans as a high octane passing attack. They led the league in rushing (or were top 3, whichever) and will continue that trend with Foster locked up and Tate still in the fold. Molk is as good as it gets as a run blocker in a ZBS system, but I would consider Blake more balanced because his pass pro is better.

If you're looking for a guy who can play both positions then you take Molk off the table but, strictly as a C, Molk is the superior prospect IMO.

I don't see Molk as an OG at all, strictly a C prospect. That said, I don't see Myers finishing his new contract. We gave him that deal because we need him, but Molk could make him expendable in 2-3 years.

I also don't see the Texans as a high octane passing attack. They led the league in rushing (or were top 3, whichever) and will continue that trend with Foster locked up and Tate still in the fold. Molk is as good as it gets as a run blocker in a ZBS system, but I would consider Blake more balanced because his pass pro is better.

If you're looking for a guy who can play both positions then you take Molk off the table but, strictly as a C, Molk is the superior prospect IMO.

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Not picking but 2010 & '11 averaged 4500 yds and last season projected to 4,000. 2009 was over 3K. Molk is good but I see Blake better fit. Respect your opinion.

Not picking but 2010 & '11 averaged 4500 yds and last season projected to 4,000. 2009 was over 3K. Molk is good but I see Blake better fit. Respect your opinion.

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I'm not disagreeing with your numbers, but I just don't see us as a pass happy team in today's NFL. Probably one of the most balanced offenses in the league. 4,000 yds is about average when half the QB's in the league are throwing for 5,000+ yds. Doesn't really matter in the end, if you think Blake or Molk is the better guy that's who you take. Good stuff.